However, the shelter lacks bedding for the homeless population there, but they’re trying to change that through fundraisers.

Ken Walter, a resource officer at the shelter, said they’re way overdue for this. “It’s been a little while coming, but hopefully with everybody helping we can get this done.”

With the help of Opportunities Inc., the shelter does get some money back for the services they put in. “We get $2 for that meal, up to a certain amount, that we can use that money in other areas,” said Walter.

But they need more. Mercedes Old Person, director at the shelter, said they’re trying to raise $77,000 to build a dormitory and improve what they have now.

One man who was passing through town stopped at the shelter and made a random donation. “He gave us $5,000. We used that to renovate the bathroom and the office here so that we can have a handicap bathroom.”

They do plan to step up their fundraising efforts but are asking for the community’s help.

“We’re poverty stricken. We have incidents of alcohol and drug abuse on the reservation that we need to check. The people that are homeless, do need a place…We hope that we can continue to move forward and raise the funds necessary..,” said Blackfeet Tribal Council member Timothy Davis Running Weasel.

Davis Running Weasel donates about $100 each pay period, according to Old Person.

A fundraiser is currently in the works for the spring. We’ll update you when we get more information. If you would like to help the Medicine Bear Shelter, click here to visit the GoFundMe page.